The Libyan National Army (LNA) has launched what military officials describe as its largest military exercise to date, involving more than 25,000 troops and a wide range of advanced military equipment in eastern Libya.
The large-scale maneuvers are taking place near the city of Derna and are scheduled to conclude on May 19, marking the anniversary of Operation Dignity, the military campaign launched in 2014 against extremist groups in Benghazi and eastern Libya.
According to commanders overseeing the drills, the exercises are intended to strengthen combat readiness, improve coordination between military units, and demonstrate the armed forces’ operational capabilities. The training includes tank formations, armored vehicles, air defense systems, artillery operations, and coordinated field exercises involving multiple branches of the military.
Officials described the maneuvers as a strategic message reflecting the military’s readiness to protect Libya’s borders and respond to regional security threats, including smuggling networks and extremist groups operating across parts of the Sahel region.
The exercises are being supervised by senior commanders affiliated with Khalifa Haftar, who controls large areas of eastern and southern Libya. Military officials said Haftar and several senior political and military figures are expected to attend the final stage of the exercises.
Commanders stressed that the drills are part of broader efforts to improve military organization, raise operational efficiency, and maintain stability in areas under military control. They also emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination between different military units and strengthening defensive capabilities.
The exercises come amid renewed international attention on Libya’s political and security situation, including ongoing discussions about unifying state institutions and strengthening military coordination between rival factions.